Hartlepool Council opens new multi-million pound Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub

Hartlepool Council has opened its new multi-million-pound Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub, marking the completion of a two-and-a-half-year construction project. Funded through investment from Hartlepool Borough Council, Tees Valley Combined Auhthority and Sport England, the state-of-the-art facility has been designed to support healthier, more active communities.

Designed by award-winning architects GT3 alongside the Council’s own in-house expertise and constructed by leading contractor Wates, the development replaces the former Mill House Leisure Centre.

Operated by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Active Hartlepool service, it takes a pioneering approach to integrated care through a partnership with University Hospitals Tees. For the first time, residents will be able to access a range of NHS services from four dedicated consultation suites within a leisure and wellbeing environment.

Highlight offers a wide range of facilities, including a 25-meter eight-lane main pool, a 25-metre four-lane learner pool, 100-station gym, two interconnected fitness studios and a dedicated spinning studio.

Meanwhile, families are catered for with active and soft play areas, as well as a party room designed to host celebrations and special occasions.

Visitors can also enjoy a café with seating for up to 100 people, as well as outdoor event and activity spaces that will help bring communities together and support a wide range of local initiatives.

Highlight is ushering in a new era for community health and activity and represents a huge boost to ongoing efforts to encourage more residents to get active and improve their physical and mental health. At its core is a commitment to making wellbeing accessible for everyone - regardless of age, ability or background.